Oakwood Realty Corporation

08/28/2025

If you are looking at your walls and are thinking that they need a fresh coat of paint or just want to switch things up with a new colour, read on for some tips to make your paint job a smooth one.

• Paint samples onto paper and hang them on the wall. Look at the colours in different lighting to see if it’s really the colour you desire.
• Determine which kind of primer you need, if any (e.g., wood, drywall, masonry, or a paint and primer in one). If the walls are in good condition or the colours are not a drastic change, you may not need a primer.
• Choose a sheen suitable for its use (e.g., satin enamel works well for rooms with moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms).
• Cover furniture and flooring with plastic sheeting.
• Fill small holes or cracks with filler or spackle, let it dry, and then sand it. Then wipe down the area you will be painting with a mild soap solution to remove any dust, which would affect the paint’s adherence.
• Next, tape off the room by applying paint tape to the boundaries you are painting around.
• Paint the ceiling first, then the walls, and end with the trim.
• Let the first coat fully dry to prevent cracks and peeling. After the second coat, decide if you want a third coat.

Thinking about how paint choices can impact your home’s value or appeal to buyers? Contact me at 416-665-2020 ext 25 or visit www.samtassone.com and happy painting!

08/25/2025

08/20/2025

If you are a parent, you know that getting your kids to go to their room isn’t always easy. So, here are some top hacks to design a room your kids will love.

Have a place for everything — a place to hang and fold clothes, bins for toys, and shelving for books, all at their height (or have a step stool) so they can do their own housekeeping. As for art, stickers, photos, etc., provide damage-free ways of putting them on the walls (e.g., a cork board for pinning, a sheet of galvanized metal with magnets, or a string hung on the wall with clothes pins).

Provide acceptable places for drawing when inspiration strikes, such as a section of a wall with a chalkboard or a standing easel with paint.

Every kid loves a hideout, so why not create one? A DIY idea could be a child-sized tent or a cozy book nook with a bean bag chair and string lights, for example.

Lastly, make homework palatable by providing an area with good lighting and ample desk space. Consider a bunk-style bed on top, with a desk underneath to conserve space.

To tie it all together, play with fun accents, such as a statement lighting piece, accent wallpaper, or a hanging chair.

Include your child in the design fun, and not only will they have a cool new room, but you can bond over their room refresh, too.

Want to make your home more kid-friendly and appealing to future buyers? Contact me at 416-665-2020 ext 25 or visit www.samtassone.com

08/12/2025

Are you looking to pack some “pollinator power” into your garden?

If you don’t already have them, try adding plants that attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies. When pollinators feed on the pollen and nectar of the plants they are attracted to, some of that pollen and nectar clings to them, and as they forage around your garden it spreads itself onto other seeds and plants to help them germinate, fertilize, and thrive. So, what are some tips for getting started with a pollinator garden?

• Plant native plants, which produce flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, such as coneflowers, aster, lavender, salvia, sunflowers, zinnias, and herbs such as oregano and basil.
• Include plants with different bloom times, so you have beautiful colour and pollinators in your garden throughout the growing season.
• Group the same plants together to make it easier for pollinators to collect and spread pollen and nectar. Not all pollinators will be attracted to the same plants.
• Avoid pesticides, which harm pollinators.
• If you have a container garden on a windy balcony, install a windbreak such as a trellis or a screen. If your balcony is mostly shaded, include pollinator plants that thrive with less sun, such as columbine or honeysuckle.

It's estimated that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators. So, pollinator gardens are a win-win. Food for pollinators means food for us too.

Want to boost your home's curb appeal and support local ecosystems at the same time? Contact me at 416-665-2020 ext 25 or visit www.samtassone.com!

08/01/2025

Window coverings help give a room a cohesive look while also serving practical purposes. So where do you begin when choosing the right ones?

First, decide on your priorities for each window, such as light control, privacy, room function, décor style, and energy savings.

Once you know your priorities you can shop around. The three most common types of window coverings are:

1. Shades — Typically, shades are made of a single piece of fabric that can be raised up or down depending on how much light and privacy is desired. Roman shades are a popular choice for their elegance and timelessness.

2. Blinds provide a minimalist and modern look and are available in horizontal or vertical options. They are also a good choice for windows with drapery that sometimes need extra privacy.

3. Curtains — A good option for creating warmth in any room. Drapery panels also accentuate ceiling height and can make small windows appear larger. They work well for large windows and sliding doors and can exude a grand, elegant look. Or for a dose of charm in your kitchen, consider café curtains.
Whatever covering you choose there’s a variety of styles, light filtering options, and some even have motorized capabilities.

To “close the curtain” on this article, aim to match your window treatments with your overall interior design for a harmonious look and feel.

Looking for a home with stunning windows to showcase your style? Let’s find the perfect fit! Contact me at 416-665-2020 ext 25 or visit www.samtassone.com!

07/28/2025

Do you want to make your home smell beautiful while creating a nice accent piece to add to your home? How about making a reed diffuser? It’s surprisingly simple and also makes a great gift idea for any occasion.

Materials:
- A glass or ceramic vase-like container, glazed inside to prevent leaking, with a narrow opening at the top so the liquid will evaporate slower
- ½ cup of sweet almond oil or safflower oil
- 25 to 30 drops of essential oils of your choosing (note that citrus oils evaporate quicker than other oils, but pairing these with another oil will help it last longer)
- 4 to 5 bamboo skewer sticks (trim the pointy ends) or reed diffuser sticks

Mix the oils, add the sticks, and rotate them after several hours. Continue to rotate the sticks about once a week until they are saturated and then replace them and the oils as necessary.

If you want the scent to travel up the sticks faster, add 1 tablespoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol.

Note: If you have a cat or dog, some essential oils are toxic to them, so check which essential oils are safe.

Creating a welcoming atmosphere starts with the little details. Want a home that looks and feels just right? Contact me at 416-665-2020 ext 25 or visit www.samtassone.com and happy cleaning!